Europe’s leading drinks trade publication, the drinks business, has named its top 50 who are leading the charge to become more environmentally sustainable.

Whilst the list includes some extremely heavy hitters in the beverage world, such as the CEO’s of retail chains such as Sainsbury, Walmart and Tesco and also large global entities such as Pernod Ricard, Fosters and Constellation, it also honours those smaller grass roots companies who are driving towards the goal of environmental sustainability.

There are three New Zealand owned operations listed, as well as a special mention for the work that Montana has undertaken in driving Pernod Ricard onto the list.

Interestingly those driving the three New Zealand owned operations are not only industry pioneers, but all residents of Marlborough and also clients of Aura Sustainability. Peter Yealands (Yealands Estate) comes in at 50, Dave Pearce (Grove Mill) is at 36 and Sally van der Zijpp (Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand) is at 7.

Roger Kerrison, Managing Director of Aura, works with all the Marlborough pioneers as a sustainability consultant and is very proud of their achievements.

“It is great that all the hard work and investment is being recognized. There is little doubt that New Zealand, and especially Marlborough, is punching above its weight on this list. Peter, Dave and Sally, and their respective teams, can be extremely proud of this achievement.” says Kerrison.

"The next couple of years is going to see many more New Zealand wines out in the market which are certified under a sustainability programme, next year this list could be dominated by New Zealand producers."